I just don't think it's going to help the government's public policy objective of fostering open government.
This committee has done an extensive study on the amendments that should be made. I certainly have done an extensive study on amendments that should be made. These are meant to foster and develop a culture of openness within government institutions. The bill that's before us, Bill C-58, addresses some of the concerns that access to information professionals have in responding to access requests within government institutions. That's really evident. However, does it address a requester's desire to access easily and in a timely manner government information? It doesn't. It doesn't address any of the recommendations that both this committee and I have made in relation to exemptions, in relation to timeliness, in relation to full coverage, or in relation to full order-making power. It doesn't do that.
The government is stating that this is the first phase. My hope—and it is my most sincere hope—is that the work of this committee and Parliament will ensure that this first phase moves the yardsticks forward in matters of access to information. Even if it's just a little bit forward, forward is a positive result. If it goes backwards, then that's regression.